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Eleven years ago, Stephen Colbert reached a major career milestone when he became the new host of CBS’ The Late Show.

After nine years of hosting Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report from 2005 to 2014, he solidified his status as one of television’s most recognizable comedic voices.

On Sept. 8, 2015, the highly decorated host made his debut on The Late Show after the departure of David Letterman.

At that time, the then-68-year-old host had retired from late-night television after 33 years, paving the way for Colbert to take over.

With the program’s new host, the award-winning entertainer delivered an opening monologue that referenced a pop culture scandal as he discussed his career transition.

“With this show I begin the search for the real Stephen Colbert,” he said at the start of the episode. “I just hope I don’t find him on Ashley Madison.”

Stephen Colbert changes a light bulb on The Ed Sullivan Theater marquee during ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’ taping on December 3, 2015 in New York City.

James Devaney/GC Images

The premiere episode also featured George Clooney and presidential candidate Jeb Bush as his first guests.

In addition, Colbert also chatted with Jimmy Fallon, his late-night rival, as well as a cameo from Jon Stewart, Colbert’s former boss, longtime friend and creative collaborator.

With a star-studded lineup and surprises, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert ended with the show’s bandleader Jon Batiste and Stay Human performing “Everyday People,” with special guests including Mavis Staples, Buddy Guy, Brittany Howard, Ben Folds and Derek Trucks.

Colbert dominated the airwaves on his debut night after drawing an estimated 6.6 million viewers and a 1.4 rating among adults aged 18–49 for its premiere episode.

It was a massive gap between his competitors, as The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon had only 2.92 million viewers, while Jimmy Kimmel Live! had 1.75 million viewers.

Behind the debut’s massive success, Colbert revealed that they almost didn’t make it to air due to technical issues.

“I almost needed a heart transplant last night because a funny thing happened, and I’m telling you, this is absolutely a true story,” he shared during the opening of the second episode, adding, “The show almost didn’t get on the air last night.”

Moreover, he spoke about how he and the whole production team were under immense stress before the show started.

“It took us a while to cut the show down to time, and then when we tried to send it to the network, so they could show it to you on air, the computers kept crashing. At 11:20 — and again this actually happened — no one in the building could give me a guarantee for certain that the show was going to go on the air last night,” he said. “So you could imagine how exciting that was for all of us.”

Despite the major setback, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert went on to have a remarkable 11-year run, earning multiple Primetime Emmy Awards and cementing Colbert’s place among late-night television’s most celebrated hosts.

Related: Iconic TV Host, Whose Career Spans 57 Years, Turns 79

When you think of Hallmark, does your mind instantly start counting down the days until Christmas? Same. Hallmark’s feel-good holiday movies can thaw even the most seasoned Grinch’s heart and make them embrace the most wonderful time of the year.

Hallmark’s greeting cards, wrapping paper and Keepsake Ornaments have also become a beloved part of countless families’ holiday traditions. And as the 2026 holiday season inches closer, the company has a few tricks up its sleeves to make this Christmas more magical than ever before.

On September 14, Hallmark will release a special vintage-inspired holiday collection that’s sure to give customers all the nostalgic feels. But before the new products hit Hallmark.com next week, Parade got an exclusive first look at the gifts, accessories, decor and other items that were inspired by archival Hallmark designs.

We also chatted with a few Hallmark pros to learn more about their creative process and hear how vintage holiday trends are being reimagined into products that resonate with modern holiday celebrations.

Since Hallmark always has an abundance of holiday products, we even asked the team to share a list of key dates for all the upcoming product releases so you can scoop up all your favorites before they sell out.

Related: How Early Should You Put Up Your Christmas Tree?

Why 2026 Is the Year of the Retro Christmas

Every year, the holiday season is a time that makes us all feel like kids again as we relive some of our favorite Christmas traditions. Hallmark’s new vintage holiday collection features a wide range of items that are meant to transport you back in time in that same exact way.

“There’s something about vintage holiday art that feels instantly familiar,” Hallmark SVP of Creative Jen Walker tells Parade. “The colors, hand-drawn details and playful characters bring you back to a version of Christmas that feels warm and joyful.”

While designing the vintage collection, Hallmark’s creative team wanted to capture that warm and fuzzy feeling we get during the holidays and give it a “fresh perspective,” with products that Walker says “feel nostalgic while fitting naturally into the way people celebrate the holidays today.”

Related: Old-Fashioned Christmas Punch Recipe

Hallmark

Hallmark Senior Artist Sheyda Best says the creative team’s goal wasn’t to simply recreate retro Hallmark designs.

“It was about understanding what made those designs so memorable, such as the illustration style, the color palettes, the characters and the little details. We then translated that spirit into products people can bring into their celebrations today. That’s what makes nostalgia feel new again,” she says. 

Hallmark VP Trends Expert Cece Merkle adds that people are gravitating towards holiday traditions that feel “familiar, comforting and full of personality” after several years of “fast-moving trends.”

“Vintage-inspired design gives people a way to connect with the holidays they remember while putting their own spin on them,” she says.

Related: Exclusive First Look: Home Depot’s 2026 Halloween Collection Is Finally Here

The Standouts: Hallmark’s 2026 Vintage-Inspired Collection

The Hallmark 2026 vintage holiday collection will be available for purchase online starting September 14. In the meantime, here’s a sneak peek at a few of the standout items, including a 2026 vintage Santa Hallmark ornament.

Christmas Tree Plate Set of 2, $34.99

Hallmark

If you’ve ever owned one of those ceramic light-up Christmas trees, you know how iconic they are. This set of plates evokes that nostalgic design and is perfect for holding chocolates, cookies and other treats.

Vintage Santa Porcelain Ornament, $31.99

Hallmark

The newest addition to the 2026 Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments collection is a jovial porcelain Santa who is reminiscent of retro mid-century Christmas decor. Jolly Old Saint Nicholas has rosy cheeks and a cheeky wink, plus he’s holding a bag full of toys.

Mug with Reindeer Sculpted Handle, $19.99

Hallmark

Whether you fill it up with hot cocoa or cider, this striped mug will encourage you to show your holiday spirit. It features a handle with a curious reindeer whose paws rest on the edge.

Related: 75 Christmas Activities for Families To Make the Season Oh-So-Bright

Winking Santa Toothpick Holder, $16.99

Hallmark

Avid bakers know that toothpicks are a necessity while you’re whipping up delicious treats. That’s why this toothpick holder is both practical and fun with its skiing Santa figurine.

Candy Cane Wishes Glasses Set of 4, $36.99

Hallmark

“Holiday nostalgia is powerful because it’s often tied to the smallest details,” Best tells Parade. “It might be the eyelashes on a reindeer, a familiar candy cane stripe, the colors on a card or the shimmering sparkle of tinsel on a tree. Those are the kinds of details we kept coming back to when developing this collection.”

This set of glasses definitely brings us back to Christmas past and features charming artwork and a classy gold rim.

Reindeer Nutcracker Countdown Calendar, $56.99

Hallmark

This adorable reindeer nutcracker countdown calendar is proof that nostalgic Christmas decorations don’t have to take up a ton of space. Big and little kids alike will have fun changing the day as they wait for Santa’s big day.

Peppermint Pillow, $29.99

Hallmark

Throw pillows are a fun way to infuse some holiday spirit into your home without going overboard. And honestly, this peppermint pillow is something you can proudly display long after Christmas.

Snow Much Fun Blanket, $32.99

Hallmark

As you cuddle up on the couch with this blanket, you’ll feel like you’re getting a blast from the past. The retro design has artwork with mini snowmen, Santas, reindeer and trees.

Related: 100+ Best Christmas Movies To Watch This Holiday Season

Crossword Puzzle Mug, $16.99

Hallmark

Oh what fun it is to drink out of a mug that doubles as a crossword puzzle. This one features holiday words like merry, tree, Santa, wonder, traditions and more.

Christmas Tree Tabletop Decor with Sound and Motion, $99.99

Hallmark

You’ll make your space a little more festive with this Christmas tree tabletop decor that moves and plays sounds. The mini Santa, reindeer and penguin figurines are cute as can be, and the tree is quite majestic.

Mark Your Calendars: Key 2026 Release Dates To Know

Hallmark

Hallmark kicked off its holiday product release schedule back in July with the debut of a plethora of Keepsake Ornaments, which are available for purchase now. But looking ahead, customers can also look forward to the following product releases.

Holiday Collection: September 14, 2026

Starting September 14, customers can purchase Hallmark’s full holiday collection (including the vintage-inspired products) at Hallmark.com. Throughout the season, products will arrive in Hallmark Gold Crown stores, with timing and assortment varying.

Keepsake Ornament Debut: October 10, 2026 

Hallmark ornament release dates in 2026 are spread out over the course of several months.

Customers can purchase the next round of Keepsake Ornaments in Gold Crown stores and on Hallmark.com starting October 10. The latest batch features more than 150 ornaments, including a Star Wars Decked-Out Droid Musical Ornament, an Albus Dumbledore Ornament With Light and Sound, a Gilmore Girls Ornament With Light and Sound and many more.

Related: 175+ Christmas Cookie Recipes Your Family Will Love This Holiday

Holiday Ever After Collection: Early October 

To celebrate the upcoming Hallmark Channel original movie Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True, Hallmark is releasing a collection of exclusive holiday products inspired by and featured in the movie. Available on Hallmark.com in early October, the collection includes ornaments, greeting cards, gift wrap, apparel, accessories, home goods and more.

In addition to being sold online, the collection will also be available for purchase at Disney Parks, select Hallmark Gold Crown stores, select Kohl’s and Walmart locations and a Hallmark pop-up store at Disney Springs.

Up Next:

Related: What Is the True History Behind Pickle Ornaments and This Unique Christmas Tradition?

Sources:

• Sheyda Best, Hallmark’s Senior Artist
• Cece Merkle, Hallmark’ VP Trends Expert
• Jen Walker, Hallmark’s SVP of Creative

Mackenzie Phillips is looking back on her years on One Day at a Time—and sharing memories of the stars on the beloved CBS sitcom. During a recent conversation with her longtime friend and co-star Valerie Bertinelli, Phillips, 66, revealed that one castmate “wasn’t very nice” to her in the early days of the series but ultimately apologized to her years later.

“One person, and I have made peace with this person and we’ve spoken, but Richard Masur wasn’t very nice,” Phillips told Bertinelli on the Getting Naked podcast. “He wasn’t very nice.”

When Bertinelli recalled that the actor “was only around for the first season,” Phillips repeated, “He wasn’t very nice.”

“And then when I met him, it was like at a Comic Con or something,” Phillips continued. “I saw him and he said, ‘I don’t even remember what it was. I don’t even remember what I said, but whatever I said, I’m really sorry. And I’ve always thought you were so incredibly talented and we were all so young,’ and you know that kind of thing.”

CBS Photo Archive / Getty Images

One Day at a Time followed divorced mother Ann Romano (Bonnie Franklin) and her teen daughters Julie (Phillips) and Barbara (Bertinelli). Masur played Ann’s divorce lawyer turned fiancé, David Kane, in the first season of the show, but his character was written out after a few episodes in the second season.

Masur had mixed feelings about doing One Day at a Time.

Speaking with Smashing Interviews in 2021, the actor, now 77, recalled shooting an early, unseen pilot for the show with Franklin, Phillips, and Marcia Rodd. Series creator Norman Lear later called to tell him that he wanted to remake the pilot and that “CBS said they’d buy the show” if Masur were in it.

“I said to Norman, ‘I’m not sure how I would fit into this. I don’t think I want to do it. I don’t want to spend the next five or seven years holding Bonnie Franklin’s coat,’” Masur continued. “I like her. I thought she was very engaging and sweet and had something. But I don’t want to be Bill Macy to Bonnie Franklin’s Maude … that’s not what I am looking to do. Norman said, ‘It won’t be that. I promise you.’”

RELATED:  Danny Bonaduce Shares Details of On Set Clash That Got ‘Partridge Family’ Star Fired

Masur asked Lear to promise him that if he was unhappy he would let him off the show—and that’s exactly what happened.

“In the pilot, they had me proposing to Bonnie,” he said. “What I said to Norman after we read the pilot was, ‘If you have me proposing to her in the pilot, then this character is going to burn up in no time. He can’t be that clueless and feeble that he’s going to have this unrequited relationship with this woman.’ …So around the sixth or seventh episode, I had now proposed to her three times, and we’d had conversations around that several times also.”

Masur was not happy when his character apologized for having an affair with another woman, and that marked the end of his role.

“I promised Norman I would do four episodes in the second season before I left,” Masur added. “He’s my godfather in the business.  …I could’ve handled all that better and have since told him that, to which he replied, ‘Don’t be silly.’ But it was a completely mutual agreement that things couldn’t work out the way I’d hoped they would with my character. Norman was completely generous and honorable about letting me out.”

CBS Photo Archive / Getty Images

Masur told The A.V. Club he asked Lear to kill off his character so he could never come back. Lear refused, and David did make one more guest appearance in Season 6. 

“Listen, I am so grateful for One Day at a Time, even though for years and years and years people would go, ‘Oh, you were on One Day at a Time,’” the actor added. “I [am on the show] for about seven months and then this haunts me for the rest of my life. No, I had no regrets. I was very grateful.”

On the new podcast, Phillips also expressed gratitude for working with Lear, noting that both she and Bertinelli felt very protected on the set of One Day at a Time under the legendary producer’s guidance.

Related: Henry Winkler Recalls the ‘Happy Days’ Actor Who Let Fame Go to His Head

When 13-year-old Donny Osmond stepped into the studio in late 1971 to record his third solo single, “Hey Girl,” the result was pop music gold.

However, what millions of swooning teenage fans didn’t realize at the time was that the tender ballad wasn’t a brand-new song. It was a reimagined R&B soul classic penned nearly a decade earlier by a 21-year-old Carole King.

King and her husband and songwriting partner, Gerry Goffin, originally wrote the track in 1963. R&B singer Freddie Scott recorded it, and it became a Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

Following the solo success of Osmond’s covers of “Sweet and Innocent” (written by Rick Hall and Billy Sherrill) and “Go Away Little Girl” (written by Goffin and King), his producers, Mike Curb and Don Costa, had him record “Hey Girl” to capitalize on his teen-idol status. The song was featured on his LP Portrait of Donny and rose to No. 9 on the Billboard charts the week of January 15, 1972.

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By stripping away the song’s bluesy edge and replacing it with a dramatic orchestra and Osmond’s yearning vocals, the track was given a complete pop makeover. Originally, Scott’s vocals lent a dramatic edge. But Osmond’s pleading softened the tune and allowed it to resonate with a whole new audience of swooning teenage fans, making the track an instant 1970s radio staple.

As Osmond climbed the charts as a solo teen star, he continued to tour relentlessly alongside his brothers in The Osmonds. Though known for their pop hits, the group was equally inspired by rock, soul, and funk, even if those influences were overshadowed by their chart success.

Osmond told Songfacts, “I was into funk, recording bubblegum, and writing rock and roll with the brothers. And the problem is, my teenybopper career was selling like crazy, and it overshadowed anything we did as a rock and roll band.”

However, that flexibility was no accident. While his brothers were cranking up electric guitars and diving into heavy rock on tracks like “Crazy Horses,” Osmond’s solo songs gave the family band a softer, soul-infused side that kept fans on their toes.

Donny Osmond performs on stage circa 1972/David Redfern/Redferns

David Redfern/Redferns

When Osmond took on timeless songs by songwriting legends Carole King and Gerry Goffin, he brought a new depth to the family catalog. Singing such mature, heartfelt lyrics wasn’t easy for a young teenager. But Osmond poured real feeling into “Hey Girl” and created an authentic connection with fans.

Donny Osmond continues to perform his classic hits, including “Hey Girl,” at his residency at Harrah’s Las Vegas, where he has headlined a solo show since August 2021. When he sings these classics, time stands still, proving that the deep, emotional connection he forged with fans more than 50 years ago is just as vibrant today as it was in 1971.

Related: The 1971 Teen Heartbreak Single That Made Girls Swoon Hit No. 1 Twice

Everybody seems to be a fan a Star Trek and all its incarnations. Even celebs who you’d never think might be a fan. Look at Amazon’s Jeff Bezos — after asking Paramount multiple times, the lifelong Trekkie made a cameo appearance as a Starfleet alien official in the 2016 film Star Trek Beyond. While that was well publicized, what other celebs and actors have appeared on Star Trek series. More than you realize. Before they became household names for iconic roles, some of these actors were just looking for their big break or their next paycheck.

Do you remember all these guest appearances from your favorite Star Trek series?

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Star Trek: The Original Series Ted Cassidy

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Ted Cassidy

Best known as Lurch from The Addams Family, the 6’9″ Ted Cassidy played Ruk, an android in the episode, “What Are Little Girls Made Of?”

Joan Collins

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Joan Collins

In “The City on the Edge of Forever,” Dame Joan Collins played Edith Keeler, a human social worker in the 20th century. Dr. McCoy (DeForest Kelley) had traveled back in time and through a series of events, ending up saving Keeler from a traffic accident, thereby altering the timeline. Both Kirk (William Shatner) and Spock (Leonard Nimoy) had to time travel back to correct the timeline where Keeler dies.

Frank Gorshin

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Frank Gorshin

Best recognized as The Riddler from the live-action Batman series with Adam West, Gorshin played Commissioner Bele, in the episode, “Let That Be Your Last Battlefield”. He was an alien official from the planet Cheron who was black on the right side and white on the left. Bele was in pursuit of a political traitor named Lokai (Lou Antonio) who was black on the left side and white on the right. Both harbored a deep-seated hatred for the other. The episode was meant to show the absurdity of racism and bigotry.

Terri Garr

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Terri Garr

Garr played a secretary named Roberta Lincoln in the episode, “Assignment: Earth.”

Gary Lockwood

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Gary Lockwood

Lockwood is best known for playing astronaut Frank Poole in the film 2001: A Space Odyssey. He also played Lieutenant Commander Gary Mitchell in the second pilot episode “Where No Man Has Gone Before.”

William Marshall William Marshall

William Marshall portrayed Dr. Richard Daystrom in the episode, “The Ultimate Computer.” He was an extraordinary scientist who invented key components that trusted Federation technology forward. The Daystrom Institute is named after him.

Jane Wyatt

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Jane Wyatt

Wyatt was the first to portray human Amanda Grayson, Spock’s mother and Sarek’s wife. She appeared in the episode “Journey to Babel.”

Star Trek: The Next Generation Corbin Bernsen

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Corbin Bernsen

Probably best known for his role as Arnie Becker on L. A. Law, Becker played Q2 on an episode named, “Deja Q.”

Brian Bonsall

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Brian Bonsall

Brian Bonsall is best known for playing Andy Keaton on Family Ties. On Star Trek: The Next Generation, Bonsall played Alexander Rozhenko, the son of Worf (Michael Dorn) and K’ehleyr (Suzie Plakson), in seven episodes including “Cost of Living” and “A Fistful of Datas.” Now 44, Bonsall is a singer/guitarist and is married with a son.

Nikki Cox

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Nikki Cox

Cox played Sarjenka, a young alien on a doomed planet in an episode called, “Pen Pals.”

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Ronny Cox

Probably best known for his work in the 80s and 90s in such hits as RoboCop, Total Recall, and Beverly Hills Cop, Cox play Captain Edward Jellico in episodes, “Chain of Command, Part I” and “Chain of Command, Part II” where his character’s strict and rigid command style clashed with the crew of the Enterprise while Picard was away on a covert mission.

Kirsten Dunst

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Kirsten Dunst

Dunst played an alien named Hedril, who communicated telepathically rather than verbally, in the episode, “Dark Page.”

Mick Fleetwood

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Mick Fleetwood

Drummer and leader of the band, Fleetwood Mac, Mick Fleetwood played an Antedean dignitary in the episode “Manhunt.” Fleetwood famously shaved off his iconic beard for the role.

Matt Frewer

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Matt Frewer

The former Max Headroom star played Professor Berlinghoff Rasmussen in the episode “A Matter of Time.” In reality, he wasn’t a professor but a duplicitous time-traveling thief there on the Enterprise to steal tech. Frewer later played Dr. Jim Taggert on Eureka.

Whoopi Goldberg

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Whoopi Goldberg

Goldberg played the long-living Guinan, the wise bartender of Ten Forward, the ship’s social center. The Academy Award-winning Goldberg reprise her role for Picard.

Kelsey Grammer

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Kelsey Grammer

Grammer played Captain Morgan Bateson of the USS Bozeman in the episode “Cause and Effect.”

Kevin Peter Hall

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Kevin Peter Hall

Known for his massive height at 7′ 2″, Hall is primarily known for the monster roles he’s played including the title role in Predator and Harry in Harry and the Hendersons. On The Next Generation, Hall played Leyor, a Caldonian diplomat and negotiator, in the episode “The Price.”

Teri Hatcher

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Teri Hatcher

Prior to her iconic roles in Lois & Clark: The Adventures of Superman and Desperate Housewives, Teri Hatched played Lieutenant B.G. Robinson in the episode “The Outrageous Okona.”

Stephen Hawking

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Stephen Hawking

Hawking played himself in a holographic simulation on the holodeck in the episode, “Descent.”

Famke Janssen

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Famke Janssen

Famke Janssen played the empathic metamorph Kamala in the episode “The Perfect Mate,” where her arranged marriage is destined to bring peace to two warring worlds.

Ken Jenkins

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Ken Jenkins

Ken Jenkins played Dr. Paul Stubbs in the episode “Evolution.”

Ashley Judd

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Ashley Judd

In her first acting role, Judd played Ensign Robin Lefler in two episodes, “Darmok” and “The Game.”

Bebe Neuwirth

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Bebe Neuwirth

As she was gaining fame with her role as Dr. Lilith Crane on Cheers, Neuwirth guest starred as a Malcorian nurse named Lanel in the episode, “First Contact.”

Terry O’Quinn

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Terry O’Quinn

Best known for his roles tv shows like Lost and Hawaii Five-0 and films like Young Guns and The Rocketeer, O’Quinn played Admiral Erik Pressman in the episode, “The Pegasus.”

Joe Piscopo

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Joe Piscopo

Piscopo played a holographic stand-up comedian simply credited as “The Comic” in the episode, “The Outrageous Okona.”

William Morgan Sheppard

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William Morgan Sheppard

The Max Headroom star played Dr. Ira Graves in the episode, “The Schizoid Man.” Sheppard has appeared in the Star Trek universe multiple times, including on Voyager where his son, Mark Sheppard also guest starred (but on a different episode). He appeared as a Klingon Gulag Warden in the feature film Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered County and as a Vulcan High Council Member in the 2009 Star Trek reboot film.

James Worthy

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James Worthy

Former Los Angeles Lakers basketball player James Worthy played a Klingon named Koral in the episode, “Gambit, Part II.”

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Jonathan Banks

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Jonathan Banks

Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul actor Jonathan Banks played Golin Shel-la, the leader of the Ennis, a faction who fought the Nol-Ennis on a small penal moon in the Gamma Quadrant in the episode, “Battle Lines.”

Iggy Pop

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Iggy Pop

Iggy Pop played “Yelgrun,” a Vorta sent in to negotiate with the Ferengi in the Deep Space-Nine episode, “The Magnificent Ferengi.”

Gabrielle Union

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Gabrielle Union

Union played N’Garen, a Klingon defense force officer in the episode, “Sons and Daughters.” Gabrielle Union once noted that her mother was a massive Star Trek fan, stating that getting to play a Klingon in the family was “akin to winning the Oscars.”

Vanessa Williams Vanessa Williams

Williams played Arandis, a social director on the pleasure planet Risa and former lover of Curzon Dax. She appeared in the episode “Let He Who is Without Sin…”

Star Trek: Voyager King Abdullah II King Abdullah II

Three years before he ascended the throne, the prince,, who was a lifelong fan of Star Trek made a visit to set and end up playing an unnamed junior science officer in the episode, “Investigations.” Because he was not SAG, it was a non-speaking cameo role.

Jason Alexander

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Jason Alexander

The Seinfeld star played an alien named Kurros in the episode, “Think Tank.”

Ed Begley, Jr.

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Ed Begley Jr.

Environmentalist/actor Ed Begley Jr. played Henry Starling, a 20th-century billionaire tech mogul and futurist, in the two-part episode “Future’s End.”.

Daniel Dae Kim

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Daniel Dae Kim

Before he got Lost, Daniel Dae Kim played an alien astronaut named Gotana-Retz in the episode, “Blink of an Eye.”

Dwayne Johnson

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Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson played the Pendari Champion in the episode titled, “Tsunkatse.”

Michael McKean

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Michael McKean

The Laverne & Shirley and Spinal Tap star played “The Clown,” a sentient, physical manifestation of fear inside a fear-based virtual reality simulation in the episode, “The Thaw.”

Tom Morello Tom Morello

The Rage Against the Machine guitarist played Crewman Mitchell in the episode, “Good Shepherd.”

Related: George Takei, 89, Reveals the Real Strength of ‘Star Trek’

Jim O’Heir

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Jim O’Heir

Before Parks and Recreation, O’Heir played the Jye Husband in the episode, “Critical Care.”

Lori Petty

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Lori Petty

Point Break and A League of Their Own star Lori Petty guest starred as an alien castaway named Noss in the episode “Gravity.”

John Rhys-Davies

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John Rhys-Davies

The Indiana Jones star played holographic recreation of the historical polymath Leonardo Dax Vinci in two episodes – “Scorpion, Part II” and “Concerning Flight.”

Mark A. Sheppard

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Mark A. Sheppard

Sheppard, who usually plays a baddie, has appeared on shows like Supernatural, Doom Patrol, and Chuck. On Voyager, he guest starred as Leucon in the episode, “Child’s Play.”

Fun Fact: Sheppard’s father, actor William Morgan Sheppard has appeared in the Star Trek universe multiple times, including on Voyager! On Voyager, he played an alien name Qatai. He also played Dr. Ira Graves in the episode “The Schizoid Man,” on Star Trek: The Next Generation, as well as a Klingon Gulag Warden in the feature film Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered County and as a Vulcan High Council Member in the 2009 Star Trek reboot film!

Sarah Silverman

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Sarah Silverman

Silverman played Rain Robinson, a 20th-century astronomer and researcher at the Griffith Observatory, in the two-part episode “Future’s End.”

Star Trek: Enterprise Padma Lakshmi

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Padma Lakshmi

Padma Lakshmi played Kaitaama, a spoiled alien princess and the First Monarch of the Sovereign Dynasty of Krios Prime, in the episode “Precious Cargo.”

Jeffrey Dean Morgan

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Jeffrey Dean Morgan

The Walking Dead star played a Xindi-Reptilian named Damron in the episode, “Carpenter Street.”

Related: All 13 Star Trek Movies Are Free to Stream Starting This Week — Here’s How to Watch

Taylor Sheridan

Paramount+

Taylor Sheridan

Before he created the monster hit series Yellowstone, Lioness, Tulsa King, and Mayor of Kingstown, Sheridan was a straggling actor like many others. On Enterprise he played Jareb, a Triannon religious zealot, in the episode, “Chosen Realm.”

Dean Stockwell

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Dean Stockwell

The Quantum Leap star played Colonel Grat, a Tandaran prison camp commander, in the episode, “Detained.”

Peter Weller

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Peter Weller

The original RoboCop and Buckaroo Banzai star played John Frederick Paxton, the leader of the xenophobic human isolationist group Terra Prime, in the episodes “Demons” and “Terra Prime.”

Seth MacFarlane

The creator of Family Guy, Ted, and American Dad! MacFarlane played Ensign Rivers in two episodes of Enterprise – “The Forgotten” and “Affliction.” MacFarlane later went on to create the sci-fi series, The Orville.

Star Trek: Discovery Stacey Abrams

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Stacey Abrams

Activist/lawyer/politician Stacey Abrams made a surprise cameo as the President of United Earth in the season 4 finale titled, “Coming Home.”

David Cronenberg

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David Cronenberg

Writer/director David Cronenberg (Crash, Dead Ringers) played the enigmatic Dr. Kovich across ten episodes of Discovery.

James Frain

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James Frain

James Frain played Sarek, Spock’s father and Michael Burnham’s (Sonequa Martin-Green) foster father on Disocovery across multiple episodes. Frain is best known for his roles on The Tudors, True Blood, and Orphan Black.

Melissa George

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Melissa George

George played castaway Vina in the episode, “If Memory Serves.”

Rainn Wilson

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Rainn Wilson

The Office star played the charismatic con man and intergalactic criminal Harcourt Fenton “Harry” Mudd in two episodes, “Choose Your Pain” and “Magic to Make the Sanest Man Go Mad.” He also reprise the role and directed the Star Trek: Short Treks episode “The Escape Artist.”

Star Trek: Picard Isa Briones Isa Briones

Before she was the cocky surgical resident, Dr. Trinity Santos, on The Pitt, Briones played multiple characters on Picard. Mainly, she played the “daughters” of Data, Dahj and Soji. Later in the series she played Sutra, and telepathic android and Kore Soong, a mortal human creation of Dr. Adam Soong.

Fun Fact: Briones sang a version of “Blue Skies” which is heard in the Season 1 finale.

Jon Jon Briones

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Jon Jon Briones

The IRL father of Isa Briones, Jon Jon Briones played a Confederation Magistrate in the alternate universe in the episodes “Penance” and “Assimilation.”

Amanda Plummer

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Amanda Plummer

The daughter of The Sound of Music actor Christopher Plummer, Amanda Plummer is an actress in her own right. In the third season of Picard, she played Vadic, the main antagonist. She also briefly voiced/played a Daystrom Station scientist in the episode “Dominion.”

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Stephen Colbert

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Stephen Colbert

You never see Colbert, but you certainly hear him on Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. Colbert was the voice of the Digital Dean of Students. His announcements over the PA system of the Academy tended to be deadpan a snarky and leaned toward a lot of mishaps in the science lab and double entendres regarding field trip notices.

Paul Giamatti Paul Giamatti

Paul Giamatti played Nustopher “Nus” Braka, the primary villain who is part-Klingon and part-Tellarite with an ominous connection to Caleb Mir’s (Sandro Rosta) past.

Rebecca Quin

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Becky Lynch (Rebecca Quin)

WWE wrestler Becky Lynch played Lieutenant Ya, a tactical officer on the bridge on the USS Athena.

Tatiana Maslany as Anisha

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Tatiana Maslany

Orphan Black star Tatiana Maslany played Anisha Mir, the mother of Caleb Mir, in the first season of Starfleet Academy.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Lindy Booth

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Lindy Booth

The Librarians star Lindy Booth played Minister Alora in the episode “Lift Us Where Suffering Cannot Reach.”

L to R Ethan Peck, Rhys Darby.

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Rhys Darby

Darby plays the legacy character, Trelane, who was introduced in the episode, “The Squire of Gothos,” of Star Trek: The Original Series (then played by William Campbell). On Strange New Worlds, we learn that Trelane is indeed part of the Q Continuum (which is inferred in TOS). Darby appears in “Wedding Belle Blues,” and most recently in “Like Chronitons Through the Hourglass.”

David Foley

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Dave Foley

The Kids in the Hall star plays Dendru, the eccentric director/host of a shore-leave planet where the crew’s inhibitions are lowered in the episode, “Human Best Friend.”

Deidre Hall

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Diedre Hall

Hall essentially plays a mirror image of her Days of Our Lives character, Dr. Marlena Evans, and the episode, “Like Chronitons Through the Hourglass.”

(L-R): Rachel Elaine Harris, Joe Lo Truglio

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Rachel Elaine Harris, Joe Lo Truglio

Harris guest stars in as Captain Ch’Rol, an Orion captain leading a raiding party in the episode, “Level-Five Transporter Accident,” where most of the crew gets turned into puppets. Lo Truglio plays Ejachi, her second-in-command.

Jesse James Keitel.

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Jesse James Keitel

Big Sky and Queer as Folk actress Jesse James Keitel starred as Dr. Aspen, who is later revealed to be the villainous space pirate Captain Angel, in the episode “The Serene Squall.”

Tawny Newsome

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Tawny Newsome

Newsome, who voices the character of Ensign Beckett Mariner on Lower Decks also appeared as Mariner in live action form on the episode, “These Old Scientists.” She also appears on Starfleet Academy as an instructor who we later discover is the current host for Dax.

Fun Fact: Newsome works behind-the-scenes on Starfleet Academy as a writer and co-producer as well as “continuity cop.”

Tawny Newsome, Jack Quaid

Paramount+

Jack Quaid

Quaid voices Ensign Brad Boimler on Lower Decks and reprise his role in live-action from for the episode, “These Old Scientists” of Strange New Worlds. The episode, directed by The Next Generation actor Jonathan Frakes, included a memorable scene which was an ad-lib by Quaid. Check out the clip below where Quaid gets on the saddle in iconic Riker-fashion as he yells, “Riker!” Frakes, who was directing the episode, told me his wife, General Hospital star Genie Francis, burst out laughing when she saw the scene.

Next, ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Turns the Enterprise Crew Into Puppets in Wild New Episode

A sudden health crisis has interrupted a highly anticipated regional concert run for one of the most celebrated figures in American roots music. Four-time Grammy winner Rosanne Cash has officially postponed three upcoming performances in the Northwest following what representatives describe as an “unexpected medical emergency.” 

The official announcement was shared by her management team, confirming that the acclaimed singer-songwriter is currently recovering under the direct supervision of her doctors. Medical professionals have issued temporary restrictions advising the veteran performer against travel and live performances for the immediate future. While the announcement clarified that Cash is receiving excellent care, specific details regarding the exact nature of the medical emergency have not been disclosed to the public. 

The abrupt scheduling change directly impacts three high-profile stops on her current tour with multi-instrumentalist, producer, and husband John Leventhal. The pair had been scheduled to take the stage on Tuesday in Sheridan, Wyoming, followed by a Wednesday performance in Billings, Montana. The final affected date was scheduled for Saturday night in Bozeman, Montana. The musical duo has been actively touring across the country since August, with a busy itinerary initially scheduled to run through January 2026.

The sudden tour interruption comes during an otherwise banner year for the icon. Just this past June, Cash made major music headlines when she joined rock legend Bruce Springsteen on stage in New Jersey for a widely celebrated duet performance of Woody Guthrie’s “Deportee” at the Music America exhibition. 

The daughter of country legend Johnny Cash, Rosanne spent the late 1970s touring alongside her famous father before launching a prolific solo career. Her massive breakthrough arrived with 1981’s Seven Year Ache, kicking off an era that established her as a premier force in country music. Ticket holders for the postponed Northwest shows are advised to hold onto their tickets until makeup dates are announced. 

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If you’ve been looking for a fun way to get around town this fall, shave down your gasoline bills, or add a little adventure to your fitness routine, Walmart just dropped a deal that’s beyond enticing. The retailer is selling the XKJQTA Electric Bike for just $310 right now, one of the lowest prices we’ve seen for this bestseller in months!

E-bikes are a great way to stay active and get where you need to go, and they’re ideal for all fitness levels. The biggest advantage of using them is that you are able to control how hard you work, thanks to customizable pedal modes that let you dial in exactly how much effort you want to put in.

XKJQTA Electric Bike, $310 (was $350) at Walmart 

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

This particular model, a Walmart bestseller, has a powerful 750W motor that reaches speeds up to 25 miles per hour. That’s fast enough to keep pace with traffic on a short commute or a quick errand run, with shoppers describing the motion as “very smooth and fun.”

The bike comes with a removable lithium battery that will power the bike for 40 to 45 miles per charge. Charging takes just five to six hours. There are two additional models in stock with varying wattages and other features, both available for between $290 and $320.

A 7-speed gear system helps the bike adapt easily to different terrain, whether you’re climbing hills or cruising on long, flat roads. The 26-inch tires are puncture-resistant, so you shouldn’t have to worry about flats so much. 

Shoppers said it’s “extremely reliable,” so it’s great for everything from daily commutes to recreational rides. “It was very easy to assemble and gets me to work,” a reviewer noted.

Built to support riders up to 300 pounds, the bike offers a more inclusive fit for different body types and riding needs. For added safety, it includes a front LED headlight and a rear reflector to improve visibility, helping make those dawn or evening rides feel more secure.

“This bike is a great value. It’s not fancy, but it’s great for riding around the neighborhood,” one reviewer raved.

Related: Walmart’s Retro Arched Bookcase Has the Prettiest Scalloped Cabinet Doors

Overall, the XKJQTA Electric Bike is packed with excellent features, which makes it a steal for its current low price. At $310 — $40 off the original price — shoppers are scooping the deal up fast.

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

In 1985, Aimee Mann became one of the most recognizable voices and faces of new wave when her band ’Til Tuesday broke through with “Voices Carry.” The song reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, while its memorable music video helped make Mann an early female MTV star.

But two years later, Mann made another memorable appearance on an ’80s favorite, this time with one of rock’s biggest bands.

Mann, who turns 66 on Sept. 8, sang on Rush’s 1987 single “Time Stand Still” and appeared alongside the Canadian rock legends in its music video.

It was just one stop in a career that eventually took Mann far beyond the new wave success of ’Til Tuesday and earned her recognition as one of the finest songwriters of her generation.

After three albums, ’Til Tuesday broke up in 1990 as Mann pursued a solo career. She later admitted that her musical interests had changed and she had become more interested in acoustic guitar music than the new wave sound of her former band.

Mann released her solo debut Whatever in 1993, followed by I’m With Stupid in 1995. Critical acclaim didn’t immediately translate into major commercial success, but her career received a significant boost when her music became integral to Paul Thomas Anderson’s 1999 film Magnolia starring Tom Cruise.

Anderson said he “sat down to write an adaptation of Aimee Mann songs,” and the movie even features a sequence in which its cast sings Mann’s “Wise Up.”

“Save Me,” which Mann wrote for the film, earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song as well as a Grammy nomination. Mann later described Magnolia as a “blood transfusion” for her career.

The success also helped Mann take greater control of her music. After Geffen declined to release her album Bachelor No. 2, believing it lacked a hit single, Mann left the label, bought back the album’s masters and released the record herself. It eventually sold 270,000 copies, helping establish her as an artist capable of building a career outside the traditional major-label system.

In 2006, Mann received some particularly impressive recognition for the songwriting that had become the foundation of that career.

NPR’s Robin Hilton ranked Mann at No. 8 on his list of the 10 best living songwriters, alongside Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen. Mann was also one of only two women to make Hilton’s top 10.

Hilton called Mann a “vastly underrated songwriter” with a gift for getting to the heart of a subject without simply spelling it out. He singled out “Wise Up,” writing that it was “about as good as songwriting ever gets.”

Mann has continued making music in the decades since, winning the Grammy for Best Folk Album for 2017’s Mental Illness and releasing her 10th solo album Queens of the Summer Hotel in 2021.

And in 2026, her Rush connection came full circle.

Nearly four decades after singing on “Time Stand Still,” Mann joined Rush on the opening night of the band’s Fifty Something Tour in June to perform the song again. Mann revealed that she had almost turned down the invitation, but knew she would regret missing the opportunity and ultimately enjoyed the experience.

From an ’80s new wave breakthrough to Magnolia, independent success, a Grammy and a reunion with Rush nearly 40 years later, Mann has built precisely the kind of career that explains why she was once ranked among the greatest living songwriters.

Related: 1965 Song, Written by Bob Dylan for a 25-Year-Old Rising Star, Was Never Performed Live by Dylan

Dr. Kim Arrington, PsyD, a psychologist with Hackensack Meridian Medical Group, loves board games personally, as well as professionally in her work with families.

“So much is happening psychologically while everyone thinks they are simply playing,” Dr. Arrington tells Parade. “Board games exercise cognitive and executive functioning skills. Children have to sustain attention, remember rules, plan ahead, make decisions and wait for their turn.”

Depending on the game, she says kids might be able to practice math, language, spatial reasoning or problem-solving. But she believes some of the richest psychological benefits of board games come from social and emotional development.

“A board game creates a small, structured social world,” she explains. “There are rules and boundaries. I have a turn, and then I have to make room for someone else’s turn. I experience anticipation, excitement, disappointment and sometimes embarrassment.”

Sometimes, someone else will win the game, even though the child really wanted to, and they may have to congratulate them and move on. Dr. Arrington loves that these activities let kids practice these life skills in a low-stakes family environment. Plus, board games are one of the best screen-free family activities to foster connection. She points out that players look at one another and start to notice non-verbal cues, like facial expressions that indicate frustration. And then there’s the highly underrated humor factor built into games.

“Families need opportunities to be silly together,” Dr. Arrington says. “Often the moments we remember aren’t who won the game. They’re the ridiculous move, the spectacularly bad luck or the running joke that had everyone at the table laughing.”

One of the best board games for families has all of the above—and more. Three psychologists agree that this classic board game supports child development and strengthens family connection. Plus, they share a “game selector” if you want to switch things up.

Related: Child Psychologist Says if Your Kid or Grandkid Has Trouble Losing Games, Here’s What It Could Mean

The Unanimous Winner: Why Psychologists Love Chutes and Ladders

Three psychologists agree that Chutes and Ladders is one of the best board games for families.

Families can use Chutes and Ladders for child development because it includes turn-taking, uncertainty that builds resilience, opportunities to lose gracefully and support for understanding numbers. 

The Psychology of the ‘Slide’: Teaching Kids To Lose Gracefully

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One reason why psychologists love Chutes and Ladders for child development is that it’s one of the board games that teaches resilience. It’s also a tool if you’re trying to figure out how to teach a child to lose gracefully. The “slide” is a critical component of these valuable life lessons.

Now, to be clear, the classic game isn’t a miracle worker.

“I wouldn’t say that Chutes and Ladders magically teaches good sportsmanship, but it creates lots of opportunities to practice it,” Dr. Holly Schiff, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist who treats children, tells Parade.

Dr. Amy Todey, PhD, a psychologist who specializes in working with families, encourages people to imagine being a five-year-old who is three spaces away from winning, but they land on a chute that sends them all the way back down the board. Adults would probably laugh it off—it’s “just” a board game, after all. But Dr. Todey says that a five-year-old might consider it a catastrophe and yell, “It’s not fair!”

“This is where the psychologically important part begins,” she explains. “A parent’s job isn’t necessarily to talk the child out of feeling disappointed. We can say: ‘Oh, you were so close. You really wanted to win. That was disappointing.’ We name and validate the emotion without making the emotion the boss of the behavior. Then we help the child figure out what comes next.”

For instance, she says that you can respond with, “You’re frustrated. What can you do with that feeling? I know it’s hard. I’m right here;” “Are you ready for your next turn?” Parents can also set boundaries for disruptive or inappropriate behavior, such as, “You cannot scream and hit people.”

“When parents validate emotions and set boundaries on behavior, children begin learning an enormously important distinction,” Dr. Todey states. “They are allowed to feel disappointed, and they are still responsible for what they do when they are disappointed. That is emotional regulation.”

She shares that children can lose gracefully and care about losing at the same time. They don’t have to immediately smile and pretend they’re not disappointed or frustrated to be “resilient.”

“It means learning that they can tolerate frustration and disappointment and they can recover and try again,” she notes. “Those are not just board game skills. Those are life skills.”

Chutes and Ladders also teaches kids about embarrassment and disappointment

In fact, Dr. Arrington points out that Chutes and Ladders goes beyond teaching children how to lose gracefully. It offers a master class and a structured way for kids to experience frustration and even introduces embarrassment. Think about it: In Chutes and Ladders, you can misunderstand a rule, make a terrible move and everyone can see you were about to win—and then you wound up losing.

“Those experiences can feel enormous to children,” she says. “A game puts them inside a structure. There are rules. There are other people with you. There is another turn coming.”

She stresses that adults also get a chance to role model managing emotions.

“When I make an awful move, I can laugh at myself,” she explains. “When I lose, I can be genuinely disappointed without becoming hostile. When a child beats me, I can enjoy their delight.”

Related: We Asked 4 Child Psychologists What Actually Motivates Kids—They All Said the Same Thing

Find Your Family’s Perfect Match: The Game Selector

Chutes and Ladders is one of the best board games for families, but it isn’t the only one. Dr. Schiff says these child psychologist-recommended games for families will help you build connection and teach life lessons.

Game Title

Developmental Benefit

Candy Land

Turn-taking, color recognition, following simple rules and beginning to tolerate waiting and disappointment.

My First Orchard

Cooperation, following rules, taking turns and learning that everyone can work toward the same goal.

Race to the Treasure

Cooperation, following rules, taking turns and learning that everyone can work toward the same goal.

Guess Who?

Asking questions, logical reasoning, attention to detail and learning to use information strategically.

Clue

Deductive reasoning, memory, paying attention to other players and making inferences from information.

Monopoly

Planning, decision-making, money concepts, delayed gratification, and coping with competition and setbacks.

Scrabble

Vocabulary, language skills, strategic thinking, mental flexibility and planning.

The Rise of ‘Cooperative’ Board Games

Cooperative board games, like Dinosaur Escape, My First Orchard and Race to the Treasure, are also rising in popularity. These games put everyone on the same team working toward a goal. Are cooperative board games good for kids, though?

“In a cooperative board game, the structure shifts from ‘me versus you’ to ‘us versus the problem,'” Dr. Todey explains. “People succeed and fail together, which creates a very different kind of social experience. They provide opportunities to practice shared intentionality, which describes the ability to hold a goal with another person and coordinate your behavior around achieving it.”

Plus, she says working together toward a common goal gives families a chance to communicate, problem-solve, negotiate and celebrate together.  

“Cooperative games can also be wonderful for children who are easily overwhelmed by competition,” Dr. Arrington adds. “They can experience the rhythms and pleasures of game-playing—turn-taking, strategy, anticipation, humor and problem-solving—without initially having to manage the emotional intensity of losing to another person.”

Still, Dr. Schiff cautions against only using cooperative board games.

“Cooperative games shouldn’t be the only kind of game kids play,” she states. “Competition is also a normal part of life. Learning how to win without gloating, lose without melting down, and continue enjoying an activity even when you don’t win are valuable skills, too.”

She says parents can also accidentally turn the game into an opportunity to take over.

“If adults are making all the decisions, the child isn’t really getting the benefit of cooperation,” she points out. “Kids need room to make imperfect choices and experience the consequences.”

Related: We Asked 3 Child Psychologists the Worst ’70s Parenting Trend, and They All Said the Same Thing

4 Ground Rules for a Meltdown-Free Family Game Night

Game nights can help children learn to lose gracefully, but it’s not an easy lesson to learn. That’s OK.

“I don’t think family game night needs to be frustration-free,” Dr. Arrington explains. “If we’re using games to help children develop frustration tolerance, we have to allow some frustration to occur. The goal isn’t to eliminate difficult feelings. It’s to make the game a safe enough place to experience them.”

Here’s how to do just that and hopefully reduce meltdowns (at least over time).

1. Let feelings be OK, but establish boundaries around behavior

Dr. Arrington says feelings aren’t the issue. It’s what we do with them that matters.

“A child can be disappointed about losing,” she explains. “They can say, ‘Ugh! I can’t believe that happened!’ They don’t have to smile and pretend not to care. What they can’t do is throw pieces, insult another player or ruin the game because they’re losing.”

2. Give children a social script for winning—and for losing

Before the game, Dr. Todey recommends asking the child, “What could you say if you win?” Then, you might suggest: “Good game, that was fun” or “You almost got me.”

Do the same for losing by asking, “What would you say if you lose?” You could recommend, “Good game, I wish I had won, but that was fun, want to play again?”

“We often tell children to ‘be a good sport’ without ever explaining what good sportsmanship actually looks like,” she explains. “Sportsmanship requires perspective-taking. When I win, I have to recognize that someone else may feel disappointed. When I lose, I have to recognize that the winner is allowed to feel proud and excited. Young children often need those behaviors explicitly taught and rehearsed.”

3. Have a plan for cheating—and be curious about what it means

Dr. Arrington says most children will be tempted to cheat at some point. Parents may be quick to turn it into a character judgment (“You’re a cheater!”). However, she recommends curiosity.

“Sometimes losing brings up embarrassment or inadequacy,” Dr. Arrington says. “For some children, being the winner can become temporarily confused with being the person who is admired, valued or important.”

A board game gives us a small, safe place to challenge that idea.

“We can hold the boundary: ‘No, you can’t move your piece two extra spaces. That’s not how we’re playing,'” she says. “But underneath that boundary is an even more important message: You don’t have to win to be loved.”

4. Catch children regulating their emotions well—and let them see you do it too

Celebrate the wins, which don’t always happen on the board.

“Parents sometimes pay enormous attention to the meltdown and almost no attention to the 20 moments of regulation that happened before it,” Dr. Todey notes. “But children learn through reinforcement and modeling. If you want sportsmanship to grow, notice it when it happens.”

She suggests being specific in your praise. Instead of “good job,” you might say, “I saw how disappointed you were when you went down that chute, and you stayed in the game.”

Up Next:

Related: I Brought Back One ’90s Family Tradition for a Month—And My Kids Didn’t Want To Stop

Sources:

• Dr. Kim Arrington, PsyD, is a psychologist with Hackensack Meridian Medical Group.
• Dr. Holly Schiff, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist who treats children.
• Dr. Amy Todey, PhD, is a psychologist who specializes in co-parenting, neurodevelopment and family relationships.

There’s nothing quite like a Saturday in the fall when you head to your favorite college town to enjoy a football game. While the tailgating, fan camaraderie, and actual game are always fun, especially if your team wins, there’s something really special about participating in the storied traditions of your favorite team. 

While there are hundreds of college football traditions around the country, some of the most exciting traditions are ones that any fan can participate in. Think everything from donation drives that serve the local community and gathering at the center of the field after a game to taking part in a stadium-wide sing-a-long. So keep reading to learn more about seven college football traditions from teams around the country that any fan can participate in. 

Related: The 9 International NFL Games to Book This Year—and Where to Stay in Every City

University of Tennessee Vol Navy The Vol Navy shows up for every University of Tennessee home game.

Visit Knoxville

If you think your college football tailgate is top-notch, you’ve likely never seen the University of Tennessee Vol Navy. This floating tailgate lines the Tennessee River for Volunteer home games. Everything from small vessels to yachts and houseboats is part of the flotilla. The tradition began with George Mooney, the play-by-play announcer for the team in the ‘50s and ‘60s, sharing his idea of getting to the games by sea, and fans started doing the same. Even better, most of the docks near the stadium are free to use; just be sure to arrive early to get a good spot. 

Related: How To Get Into Texas’ Formula 1 Race Weekend For Just $20

Clemson University’s Gathering at the Paw 

Fans heading to Memorial Stadium can enjoy a tradition dating back to 1942, dubbed Gathering at the Paw. This fan-friendly tradition allows any fan in attendance to join the Clemson football team at the midfield Tiger Paw logo for photos and a quick chat. And don’t mistake this for rushing the field after a big win. Gathering at the Paw is meant to be orderly, and entry onto the field is at designated areas around the stadium. 

White Out at Penn State View this post on Instagram

One of the easiest traditions to take part in is at Penn State. Here, the college’s annual White Out game is a must-do for sports fans. The tradition started in 2004, when the student section donned white, and since 2007, the white out has blanketed the entire stadium. The raucous atmosphere inside Beaver Stadium is unmatched on most game days, but on the annual White Out game it’s even more insane. This year, the annual White Out will take place on October 10, 2026, against the USC Trojans, and will be shown on NBC’s Big Ten Saturday Night coverage. 

Related: I Went To My First Formula 1 Race—Here’s What Surprised Me Most About The Experience

University of Iowa Hawkeye Wave

The Hawkeye Wave may be one of the most heartwarming traditions in all of college sports. At the end of the first quarter of every home game, everyone in the stadium turns to wave to the patients at the adjacent UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital. The tradition started in 2017 after a Facebook post on a Hawkeye football fan page suggested that fans turn to wave at the families who have to stay at the hospital. And as they say, the rest is history. 

Brigham Young University Cougs Care BYU’s tailgate is all about serving others at away games.

BYU

Since 2019, BYU has implemented a tradition that’s all about giving back. Dubbed Cougs Care, the community service initiative is all about giving back to the places that the team visits during the football season. During every away game, the community service tailgate collects food, books, shoes, and sporting equipment, then donates the goods to a local nonprofit partner. In 2025, Cougs Care collected more than 70,000 pounds of food, with 26,500 participants at away games. This year, in addition to the away games, Cougs Care will have a home event on Friday, September 11, where canned foods will be collected and donated to a local food bank. 

Related: The 8 Best Motorsports Events for Racing Fans Hooked on F1

University of Georgia’s Ringing the Chapel Bell Fans line up for the chance to ring the bell after a big win.

Visit Athens GA

One of college football’s longest-running traditions is ringing the Chapel Bell at the University of Georgia. It’s been reported that the first celebratory bell ringing was in 1894 after a football game against Auburn. Of course, the Bulldogs won that game. Over the years, the bell has been used for a variety of things, from indicating class timing to serving as a World War II raid signal. But since the 1980s, it’s been a symbol of football victories. After the final whistle blows, fans rush to the Historic North Campus for a chance to ring the bell and celebrate the football team’s win, often lasting late into the night. 

Related: What Is ‘Fun-Flation’? The Sneaky Reason Your Next Vacation Is Getting Pricier

University of Oregon “Shout”

At every home game, the University of Oregon Ducks play the song “Shout” by The Isley Brothers between the third and fourth quarters. It is a newer tradition, starting during the 2010 season, but there’s a really good reason behind the song choice. The 1978 movie National Lampoon’s Animal House was filmed at the University of Oregon, and the song was used during the movie’s toga party scene. Now the song is used to get fans and players hyped for the final quarter of the game and, hopefully, a win over their opponent. 

Related: Disney and the NFL Just Dropped an Epic 32-Team Merch Collab, and Fans Have Strong Opinions

When you’re traveling with only a carry-on, every pair of shoes needs to earn its place. Shoes can take up a large amount of suitcase space, so curating just a few comfortable and versatile styles that can work with multiple outfits will make packing much easier.

As someone who covers shopping and travel for outlets like Editorialist, Coveteur, Martha Stewart Weddings and Harper’s Bazaar, I’ve learned that the best travel shoes put comfort first but don’t sacrifice style. From a supportive sneaker for long sightseeing days to a pair of comfortable and stylish ankle booties that can take you from day to dinner, these three shoes are versatile enough to get you through nearly every part of your trip.

Related: 8 Best Carry-On Essentials for Travelers With Pets

Naturalizer Tucker Boots

Amazon.com

Fall is here, and a gorgeous pair of ankle booties is one of the most versatile shoes you can pack. These feature Contour+ Comfort technology for all-day comfort, plus an easy side-zip closure and a lower not-too-thick block heel that helps give you some extra height without feeling too high or chunky. Pair them with jeans for sightseeing during the day or dress them up with a skirt or dress for a night out.

Get it on Amazon Project Cloud Velcro Sneakers

Amazon.com

Sneakers should be comfortable and versatile enough to work with multiple outfits and settings. These Mary Jane-style sneakers have no laces, making them easy to slip on and off, and the Velcro strap provides added support. Breathable mesh and a cushioned insole will also help keep your feet feel comfortable all day.

Get it on Amazon.com Crocs Women’s Miami Thong Sandal

Amazon.com

Crocs are known for comfort, and these sandals are a stylish alternative to a typical slide or flip-flop. The strap helps keep your feet secure while walking, while the flexible upper and cushioned footbed make them super comfortable for long walks. They’re also waterproof, making them great for beach or pool days.

Get it on Amazon

Related: 8 Fall Carry-On Essentials Every Traveler Needs

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Not everyone has a green thumb — and that’s perfectly fine. If real sunflowers haven’t thrived in your garden, there’s an easy way to still enjoy that same bright, cheerful look without the upkeep. These solar-powered sunflower lights from Amazon feature realistic petals and leaves, making them an effortless way to add festive color and charm to your yard for autumn.

The Letmy Sunflower Solar Light set is currently on sale just in time for a fall backyard glow-up. These lights are a budget-friendly way to spruce up your outdoor space with both decoration and lighting. You can choose a 4-pack for $28, a 6-pack for $50, or a 2-pack for $19, depending on how much coverage you need.

Letmy Sunflower Solar Lights, From $28 (were $32) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

Each stake features six sunflower heads with built-in LED lights that create a bright, eye-catching display. The flexible stems make it easy to shape and position them wherever they fit best — whether you’re lining a garden path or adding visual interest to a flower bed.

At dusk, the lights automatically turn on and give off a warm, inviting glow across your yard. Powered by a rechargeable 800 mAh battery, they can run for about 10 to 18 hours after a full charge of six to eight hours, helping keep your outdoor space lit through the evening.

They’re also built to handle the elements with IP65 waterproofing and rust-resistant metal stakes. A high-efficiency solar panel helps them charge faster than standard models. The set also comes with a built-in light sensor that automatically turns them on at night and off at dawn.

Based on Amazon reviews, these lights left an impression on shoppers. Many said they were “so cute” and noted that they created a beautiful display along their walkways. Others described them as “bright and beautiful,” adding that they were an easy way to bring color and interest to an otherwise plain yard.

Related: Amazon’s ‘Whimsical’ Turtle Solar Statue ‘Creates a Magical Ambiance’ With Lighted Faux Succulents

The Letmy Sunflower Solar Lights also make a thoughtful gift for birthdays or housewarming parties. If you’re considering a set, it’s worth grabbing now while they’re still in stock and on sale.

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Ancient Greek philosophers are so well-known; we’ve covered them a lot for our quote of the day series. But few are as well known as Aristotle, who was an ancient Greek philosopher, scientist and “one of the greatest intellectual figures of Classical antiquity and Western history,” according to Britannica. His legacy is felt in the writing that survived the tests of time, as well as in his many works within several different fields, including (but not limited to) physics, biology, logic, criticism, ethics, metaphysics, politics and more, the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy (IEP) reported.

Little is known about Aristotle’s own life, but we do know that he was born in northern Greece in 384 BCE and died in 322 BCE, per Britannica. His father was a physician, with his most famous “patient” being Amyntas III, the king of Macedonia and Alexander the Great’s grandfather. Aristotle went to Athens in 367 BCE to join the Academy of Plato, where he studied and worked under the famous philosopher for 20 years. Famously, though, Aristotle’s philosophy differs in that he’s “realistic, utilitarian” and “commonsensical,” and Plato is “idealistic, utopian” and “otherworldly.”

Aristotle was the “first genuine scientist in history,” per Britannica, and early in his philosophical career, he believed that the “best form of philosophy” was contemplating the universe of nature, and it’s our purpose on this Earth to do so. As IEP reported, Aristotle “radically transformed most topics he investigated,” and he’s known as the “father of Western logic,” creating the first “formal system of reasoning.”

Related: Quote of the Day: Philosopher Socrates on ‘An Eye for an Eye’ Mentality— ‘One Should Never Do Wrong in Return…’

Quote of the Day by Aristotle

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“He who has overcome his fears will truly be free.”

This quote comes from Florilegium by Joannes Stobaeus. He compiled many valuable quotes from Greek authors and philosophers, such as Aristotle; the English title of this work is actually “Anthology.” 

And you can find a similar statement in Aristotle’s own Nicomachean Ethics, his best-known work on ethics and the science of a good life. In Book III, he writes:

“The man, then, who faces and who fears the right things and from the right motive, in the right way and from the right time, and who feels confidence under the corresponding conditions, is brave.”

Related: Quote of the Day: Shakespeare’s Powerful Advice for Living up to Your Potential—‘Be Not Afraid of Greatness…’

Deeper Meaning of Aristotle’s Quote—Overcoming Your Fears

Aristotle explains that facing your fears head-on and overcoming them will “truly” set you free. 

Fearing something can really put a block on your mind; it can stop you from moving forward or being ambitious. But if you conquer your discomfort, then you won’t have the burden of those anxieties anymore. Even if you can’t fully defeat a fear, just facing it can be enough to break through any boundaries you set for yourself initially with your fears. Trying is better than staying away from obstacles entirely. 

Since Aristotle seemed to know no bounds, it makes sense that he’d preach to others that you need to overcome your anxieties to succeed and move forward in life.

Related: Quote of the Day: Stoic Philosopher Zeno of Citium on Why Listening May Be More Powerful Than Speaking

More Quotes from Aristotle

• “One thing alone not even God can do, To make undone whatever hath been done.”
• “Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow-ripening fruit.”
• “The greater the length, the more beautiful will the piece be by reason of its size, provided that the whole be perspicuous.”
• “For that which has become habitual, becomes as it were natural.”
• “The man with a host of friends who slaps on the back everybody he meets is regarded as the friend of nobody.”
• “Moral qualities are so constituted as to be destroyed by excess and by deficiency…”
• “Happiness is an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue”

Up Next:

Related: Quote of the Day: Roman Poet Ovid on the Power of Determination and Perseverance in Life

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If you’ve scrolled through TikTok or Instagram recently, you may be familiar with the cottagecore aesthetic that has captured the hearts of many. Cozy, dreamy, and whimsical, cottagecore vibes can be found in everything from home decor to clothing and accessories. It’s an aesthetic characterized by nature-inspired pieces, the rural lifestyle, and romantic charm. 

Looking to bring some of that cottagecore energy into your home? Lamps are a great low-lift place to start. Seamlessly blending functionality and style, a nature-inspired lamp can instantly transform your home into a dreamy, magical sanctuary with the coziest ambiance. 

While there are several options that exist, we rounded up three of the cutest lamps from Amazon that perfectly capture the cottagecore aesthetic. Best of all, they start at just $19 and are all under $30! Read on to find a lamp worth adding to your living space. 

Aqdzcnf Flower Table Lamp, From $25 at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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Mimicking the silhouette of the lily of the valley flower, this lamp features a gorgeous bell-shaped floral lampshade with the ruffled edge flared out. Similar to the way that lilies of the valley delicately hang, the lampshade is tilted down. However, thanks to the 360-degree flexible gooseneck, you can angle the flower lampshade in whatever direction you prefer. Tying everything together and bringing the design to life, the lamp boasts a long wispy leaf where the stem meets the flower and a few delicate ones that look as if growing from the base. 

This lamp is available in eight styles. You can choose from four colors, including white, green, pink, and red, and a lampshade with or without pearls. The base is made of thickened iron, ensuring that the lamp remains sturdy and stable. For a cozy glow, the lamp shade is made of acrylic with a frosted finish, designed to soften the light.

It has three temperature settings to meet all your relaxation needs. With just the push of a button on the cord, you can choose between a white, natural, and warm light to set the mood and create the perfect ambiance. This floral lamp will arrive ready to use, as it comes with a light bulb. Whenever the bulb burns out, you can replace it with any kind that’s compatible with an E26 base.

Richaa Wood Mushroom Lamp, $19 at Amazon Shop at Amazon

Made from beech wood with a wood grain finish, this mushroom lamp has a rustic vibe and natural feel that adds to its cottagecore character. Magical and whimsical, this lamp also has a sprinkle of fairycore. It features a round cap adorned with large polka dots, giving it that classic mushroom look. 

Measuring around 4 inches wide and 3 inches tall, this lamp is small but mighty. It’ll fit and blend in anywhere in your living space, while casting a light bright enough to create a dreamy ambiance in any room. This lamp has four dimming modes that you can adjust with just the push of a button. According to shoppers, the highest setting is bright enough for reading, while the other levels are great for relaxing, unwinding, and sleeping. 

As a bonus, you can easily move this lamp between rooms or even bring it while traveling because it doesn’t require a power cord. It’s powered by a 900 milliampere-hour rechargeable battery, providing up to six to eight hours of light! 

“The warm, ambient glow creates a relaxing atmosphere,” one shopper raved. “Whether for reading, cozy lighting, or on-the-go use, this portable lamp is a fantastic addition anywhere!”

Floresita Pressed Flower Lamp, From $23 (was $30) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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This vibrant lamp is the epitome of cottagecore. Handmade with natural flowers and leaves, it lends itself to the rural lifestyle. Because these lamps are handmade, they may slightly vary in appearance, making each piece feel unique. The lampshade has a sleek silhouette, allowing the pressed flowers and leaves to stand out on their own. 

With a base made of wood and a lampshade made of linen, it also has a touch of the farmhouse aesthetic. Similar to the lily of the valley lamp above, this one also has three temperature settings (cool, neutral, and warm), comes with an E26 lightbulb, and is powered by a cord.   

You can choose between four styles. It’s available in either a cylindrical or rectangular lampshade with the flower and leaf design, or a cylindrical silhouette with just leaves. The cylindrical lamp with flowers and leaves also comes in a version with a dimmer rather than a three-temperature setting.

A reviewer described this lamp as “stunningly beautiful and gorgeous” and said that it “brightens up the room and makes it feel very cozy.” They also noted that it’s the perfect addition to your home if you’re looking for a “cottagecore fairytale theme.” 

Related: Amazon’s ‘Whimsical’ Turtle Solar Statue ‘Creates a Magical Ambiance’ With Lighted Faux Succulents

Adding a cottagecore lamp to your home can effortlessly perk up your space and instantly transform any room into a cozy haven with its nature-inspired charm. If that sounds like something that your home needs ASAP, don’t hesitate to head to Amazon to snag one of these styles for under $30! 

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Beloved romance author Abby Jimenez is making one thing clear ahead of Hispanic Heritage Month—she does not want to be included on recommendation lists.

The Happy Ever After Playlist author took to social media on Monday, September 7, to explain that she is not actually of Hispanic heritage and Jimenez is her married name.

“This is my annual reminder that I am white, I married a Salvadoran, I am very proud of his heritage but please do not include me on Hispanic rec lists,” she shared. “I do not want to take space from the authors who deserve to be there. Also, you can find me saying this exact thing in articles dating back to 2019.”

Jimenez—who is also known for her appearance on season 4 of Food Network’s Cupcake Wars—added, “For those who don’t know, I was already well known as Abby Jimenez for my appearances on Cupcake Wars and TLC, which is why I chose to write under that name.”

She went on to land on the New York Times best-seller’s list for books like The Night We Met, Say You’ll Remember Me, and Just for the Summer.

“Also, it’s my NAME. Like, legally,” she continued. “I do wish now that I would have used a pen name for privacy and safety, but it never occurred to me that I would end up a famous author at the time and that my name would be so recognizable. My advice? Use a pen name lol.”

According to Jimenez, a few Hispanic authors who deserve readers’ attention are Mia Sosa, Alexis Daria and Adriana Herrara.

Hispanic Heritage Month, which celebrates the history, culture and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americas, kicks off September 15

To solve tday’s NYT Connections Sports Edition puzzle, you’ll be exploring the Texas metropolitan area, leaders with more than one ring, things associated with a famous footballer and words that have NBA teams inside of them.

Get excited—there’s another New York Times game to add to your daily routine! Those of us word game addicts who already play Wordle, Connections, Strands and the Mini Crossword now have Connections Sports Edition to add to the mix.

So, if you’re looking for some hints and answers for today’s Connections Sports Edition on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, you’ve come to the right place.

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Today’s NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Tuesday, September 8, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

What Is Connections Sports Edition?

Connections Sports Edition is just like the regular Connections word puzzle, in that it’s a game that resets at 12 a.m. EST each day and has 16 different words listed. It’s up to you to figure out each group of four words that belong to a certain category, with four categories in total.

This new version is sports-specific, however, as a partnership between The New York Times and The Athletic.

As the NYT site instructs, for Connections Sports Edition, you “group sports terms that share a common thread.”

Related: The 26 Funniest NYT Connections Game Memes You’ll Appreciate if You Do This Daily Word Puzzle

Hints for Today’s Connections Sports Edition Categories on September 8, 2026

Here are some hints about the four categories to help you figure out the word groupings.

• Yellow: Texas metropolitan area.
• Green: They have more than one ring.
• Blue: Famous soccer player known by one name.
• Purple: Find a team name hidden in the clue.

Here Are Today’s Connections Sports Edition Categories

OK, time for a second hint…we’ll give you the actual categories now. Spoilers below!

• Yellow: DFW TEAMS
• Green: COACHES TO WIN MULTIPLE SUPER BOWLS
• Blue: ASSOCIATED WITH PELÉ
• Purple: ENDS IN AN NBA TEAM

If you’re looking for the answers, no worries—we’ve got them below. So, don’t scroll any further if you don’t want to see the solutions!

The answers to today’s Connections Sports Edition #715 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• DFW TEAMS: COWBOYS, MAVERICKS, STARS, WINGS
• COACHES TO WIN MULTIPLE SUPER BOWLS: LANDRY, LOMBARDI, NOLL, PARCELLS
• ASSOCIATED WITH PELÉ: 10, BRAZIL, COSMOS, SANTOS
• ENDS IN AN NBA TEAM: BOOKINGS, JAYHAWKS, PLANETS, WHEAT

Don’t worry if you didn’t get them this time—we’ve all been there.

Up next, catch up on the answers to recent Wordle puzzles.

Related: NYT Connections Sports Edition Today: Hints and Answers for Monday, September 7, 2026

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Summer is ending, but warm temperatures feel like they’re here to stay. If you’re looking forward to long afternoons spent watching outdoor sports or lounging at the park, but looking to stay out of the heat, having a comfortable, sun-shaded place to sit makes all the difference. Nobody wants to deal with hauling bulky chairs or juggling multiple pieces of gear, which is why the Costway Outdoor Folding Double Chair With Umbrella and Table at Target is a must-have.

Right now, this all-in-one setup is just $55, marked down a whopping 77% from its original $230 price tag. It folds down for transport and comes with an umbrella and center table with a built-in cooler compartment, giving you shade and a spot for drinks or snacks without any extra setup. Durable enough for repeat use but convenient enough to toss in the trunk, it’s a summer essential you’ll reach for well into fall.

Costway Outdoor Folding Double Chair With Umbrella and Table, From $55 (was $230) at Target

Courtesy of Target

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Between the built-in shade, seating for two, and added surface space, this seat takes the guesswork out of outdoor comfort. The frame is constructed of sturdy steel piping that keeps the setup stable while still being lightweight enough to transport, and each seat can support up to 270 pounds for a total capacity of around 600 pounds. Made from durable Oxford fabric, this portable seating is designed to resist fading and wear over time, even with regular sun exposure. 

When fully set up, it measures about 63 inches long, 22 inches wide, and up to 70 inches tall with the umbrella extended, giving you plenty of room to sit comfortably. The removable umbrella adds adjustable shade coverage, while the center table features an insulated cooler and built-in storage compartments to keep essentials like drinks, phones, and snacks within easy reach.

The folding frame collapses down to a compact size (roughly 39 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 7.5 inches high), making it easy to store in tight spaces like a closet, garage corner, or your car’s trunk. Weighing around 15 pounds, it should be manageable to carry, especially with the included carrying bag that keeps everything contained. 

This folding double chair setup comes in six classic colors, with the cobalt blue being the most affordable at $55. Every option is under $58, so no matter which you choose, you’re still scoring a seriously good deal.

Related: Walmart’s ‘Cushiony’ Folding Cot Bed Is ‘Great for Camping, Travel, or Kicking Back’

This “incredibly comfortable” and “supportive” seat setup has won over reviewers, who said it’s “easy to carry” and “perfect for camping, picnics, and beach trips.” One shopper wrote, “They are sturdy and well-built, which gives me confidence that they will last for many outdoor adventures,” adding that the “built-in umbrella is a game-changer, providing ample shade on sunny days.”

Don’t hesitate to grab the Costway Outdoor Folding Double Chair With Umbrella and Table for your next outdoor adventure while it’s over 75% off. Elevate every activity when you add it to your Target cart today!

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

Today’s NYT Strands puzzle is all about the classroom.

Move over, Wordle, Connections, Connections Sports Edition, and Mini Crossword—there’s a new NYT word game in town! The New York Times‘ recent game, “Strands,” is becoming increasingly popular as another daily activity fans can find on the NYT website and app.

With daily themes and “spangrams” to discover, this is the latest addictive game to cross off your to-do list before a new one pops up 24 hours later.

We’ll cover exactly how to play Strands, hints for today’s Spangram, and all of the answers for Strands #919 on Tuesday, September 8.

How to Play Strands

The New York Times

According to the New York Times, here’s exactly how to play Strands:

Find theme words to fill the board.

• Theme words stay highlighted in blue when found.
• Drag or tap letters to create words. If tapping, double-tap the last letter to submit.
• Theme words fill the board entirely. No theme words overlap.

Find the “spangram.”

• The spangram describes the puzzle’s theme and touches two opposite sides of the board. It may be two words.
• The spangram highlights in yellow when found.
• An example spangram with corresponding theme words: PEAR, FRUIT, BANANA, APPLE, etc.

Need a hint?

• Find non-theme words to get hints.
• For every three non-theme words you find, you earn a hint.
• Hints show the letters of a theme word. If there is already an active hint on the board, a hint will show that word’s letter order.

What Is Today’s Strands Hint for the Theme: “It’s elementary.”

If that doesn’t help, here’s a hint for today’s Strands game: Reading and writing and ‘rithmatic.

What Are Today’s NYT Strands Hints?

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

In today’s puzzle, there are seven theme words to find (including the spangram). Here are the first two letters for each word:

• DE
• CU
• EA
• GL
• WH
• MA
• BA (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

Today’s Spangram is a mix of horizontal and diagonal.

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for September 8

Today’s Spangram answer for today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram, and Answers for Tuesday, September 8, 2026, is BACKTOSCHOOL.

What Are Today’s NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Tuesday, September 8?

• DESK
• CUBBY
• EASEL
• GLOBE
• WHITEBOARD
• MARKERS
• SPANGRAM: BACKTOSCHOOL

Related: Today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram and Answers for Monday, September 7, 2026

Today’s New York Times Connections puzzle explores American muscle, accessories of a silent artist, phrases that end with a word associated with love and words that contain your favorite snacks.

There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as the feeling of completing the daily New York Times Wordle, Strands, Mini Crossword and Connections Sports Edition word games in one fell swoop. But sometimes that can be easier said than done. If you need help with today’s Connections puzzle, keep reading.

Spoilers ahead! We’ve warned you. We mean it. Read no further until you really want some clues or you’ve completely given up and want the answers ASAP. Get ready for all of today’s NYT ‘Connections’ hints and answers for #1185 on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

Today’s NYT Connections Puzzle for Tuesday, September 8, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

If you’ve been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Tuesday’s puzzle, you’re not alone, and these hints should definitely help you out. Plus, I’ll reveal the answers further down.

Related: The 26 Funniest NYT Connections Game Memes You’ll Appreciate if You Do This Daily Word Puzzle

Hints About Today’s NYT Connections Categories on Tuesday, September 8

1. Vroom!
2. They don’t speak.
3. Valentine’s Day symbol.
4. Sweets, but the brand name gets a tweak.

Related: 300 Trivia Questions and Answers to Jumpstart Your Fun Game Night

Ready for the answers? Scroll below this image (the image that represents your very appreciated patience!).

iStock

Today’s Connections Game Answers for Tuesday, September 8:

1. CLASSIC AMERICAN PERFORMANCE CARS: CORVETTE, FIREBIRD, MUSTANG, VIPER
2. FEATURES OF A MIME COSTUME: BERET, GLOVES, STRIPES, SUSPENDERS
3. ___ HEART: ARTICHOKE, PURPLE, SACRED, TAKE TO
4. CANDY BARS PLUS A LETTER: DOVES, MARSH, SKORT, TWIXT

How’d you do?

Up Next:

– 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day
– Hints, Clues and Answers to the NYT’s ‘Mini Crossword’ Puzzle

Did You Miss a Few Days? Let’s Catch You Up With Recent Connections Answers

Related: NYT ‘Connections’ Hints, Clues and Answers Today, Monday, September 7, 2026

Author Sarah J. Maas already had a wildly successful career in the fantasy genre with her Throne of Glass series before she began working on a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. The first novel, A Court of Thorns and Roses, was published in 2015, several years after Maas sat down to write the book.

The series, colloquially known to Romantasy fans as “ACOTAR,“ has gone on to be an insanely massive success, the likes of which make it considered a global phenomenon. Thanks in part to BookTok, what users who track their reading on TikTok are known as, ACOTAR is one of the defining pop culture sensations of the last decade. The series has sold more than 13 million copies and still regularly tops bestseller lists even today, such as those on USA Today and the New York Times. Even this week, the book is still in the top 10 of the “Most Read Books of the Week” according to Goodreads.

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A Court of Thorns and Roses follows Feyre, a 19-year-old huntress who accidentally kills a magical wolf that was actually a High Fae from the Spring Court in disguise. Feyre is taken away to the faerie realm of Prythian to pay for her crime with her life. In Prythian, she meets the immortal High Lord Tamlin and his emissary, Lucien, and slowly but surely learns more about the faeries and their world, which had previously only been a thing of legend to Feyre. But something is looming over Prythian; an ancient blight is spreading and threatens Feyre, Tamlin, and everything she is only beginning to know about the world she’s found herself a part of.

ACOTAR was followed by the sequels A Court of Mist and Fury in 2016, A Court of Wings and Ruin in 2017, A Court of Frost and Starlight in 2018, and A Court of Silver Flames in 2021. Maas has announced the release of two more sequels, with the sixth installment, A Court of Splintered Harmony, releasing on October 27, 2026, and the seventh, A Court of Forgotten Melody, on January 12, 2027. The series will conclude with an eighth book, which Maas has yet to announce formally.

The first five books of the ACOTAR series and other works by Maas are available wherever books are sold.

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Related: Best-Selling 2015 Global Sensation Is Ranked a ‘Most Read Book of the Year’ on Goodreads